2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 656 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1837 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
